Marius Hurter confirmed today that he has only two more games left for the Falcons before returning to South Africa before the new year.

Hurter has signed a deal to play Super 12 in Johannesburg with the Cats and then Currie Cup with the Lions.

The news will rock the Falcons fans who have warmed to the former Springbok tighthead prop in the six years he has been at Kingston Park.

However, the popular 34-year-old, who had a proviso in his contract that Newcastle would release him if he could get a Super 12 contract, needs to be in South Africa for the new year to further his law studies, having passed his exams this summer in the UK.

In addition, he is also delighted to be expecting the birth of his first child with wife Hannatjie in around seven months.

Having signed for the Falcons in 1998, Hurter went on to play 109 Zurich Premiership games for the club, and was instrumental in the Powergen Cup wins of 2001 and 2004, as well as the development of props such as Micky Ward, Ian Peel and James Isaacson.

He will play in the Falcons' next two games against Saracens and Leeds, before flying home on December 30.

Capped 13 times by South Africa, Hurter was a member of the Springbok squad which won the 1995 World Cup, making him one of three World Cup winners currently at the club, alongside Jonny Wilkinson and Matthew Burke.

Falcons boss Rob Andrew, said: "Losing Marius is a blow to us after all the great times we have had with him here, but at this point in time we recognise that he has a new life to go to in South Africa with his law career, his new baby and his Super 12 rugby.

"We obviously wish Marius and his family all the best for their future, and I just hope that South Africa is ready for a guy who we would certainly class as a fully-fledged Geordie.

"His shoes will be big ones to fill, but we are looking at replacements as we try and build on all the good work that Marius has done for us, not only with his own play but with his help for all of the younger props at the club."

An emotional Hurter said: "I would like to say a massive thanks to the Newcastle Falcons supporters, players, coaches and everyone who works at the club. I've had an amazing time here and I'll never forget you all."

Speaking on his time at the club, from the early days, he said: "I can remember when I decided to sign for the Falcons, the guys in South Africa were saying that it was all coal mines and pit heaps.

"I tried to do some research but all I could find was a picture of Grey's Monument on the internet, so it was a leap into the dark, and I must thank my wife Hannatjie for all her support in being brave enough to come over here with me.

"The fans here have been awesome - really something special. I'm glad I ended up in Newcastle and nowhere else in the UK, because everyone has made me and my wife so welcome.

"It's been a great six years, but the plan was always to go back. Newcastle is a fantastic city with wonderful people, but my heart still lies in South Africa."